When I first had the idea to attempt a monumental writing and illustration project, I admit that I had reservations. While I have experience as a wildlife and landscape artist, illustrating a written narrative would require a great deal of architectural design as well as figure drawing- neither of which I had practiced extensively. In addition, once I knew that I wanted to write pastiches for Sherlock Holmes, I also decided that the illustrations should feel as close to the great Sidney Paget as possible. These challenges on the visual front were all very real, however I perhaps had no greater doubt than if I would be able to handle the writing upon which the images would be based. I have loved the Sherlock Holmes canon for about as long as I can remember, and the “unwritten cases” which Conan Doyle referenced always intrigued me. I felt that I had it in me to come up with some decent stories- but to write in Doyle’s style? To recapture that vivid world of Victorian London which he brought to life so successfully? To conjure up those fascinating little examples of Holmes’ genius and deductive power? I really didn’t know if I was equal to that task. Over three years (and twenty six illustrations) later, I can’t say that I have mastered either Doyle’s genius or Paget’s iconic style. That said, I have been greatly encouraged by the publications and the response of Holmes afficionados who have taken the time to go over my work. There are so many tantalizing cases mentioned by Doyle that he would never write, and until I run out of ideas (or the time needed to realize them) I hope to continue improving my abilities as a storyteller and illustrator.
